Spherical brass incense burner

Mamluk dynasty, AD 1277-79
From Damascus, Syria

Made for Badr al-Din Baysari

Highly-scented incense was a valued commodity in medieval
Islamic regions, and had been since ancient times when caravans
laden with incense and other precious items travelled across
Arabia. Different sorts and combinations of woods, resins, spices
and animal secretions were burnt and various types of vessel
evolved to be used as incense burners. Pivoted gimbals inside this
burner hold the small bowl containing incense in an upright
position even when the sphere is rolled. The pierced decoration
allowed the smoke to escape, but, when lit from inside, it also
added to the beauty of the vessel.

The inscriptions contain the name and titles of the amir Badr
al-Din Baysari (died 1298) one of the most powerful figures within
the Mamluk hierarchy. Immensely wealthy, he was famed for his
extravagance and is said to have refused to drink from the same cup
twice. The incense burner was probably destined for his palace in
Cairo, one of the most splendid in the city, where it would have
been rolled between his friends at private gatherings.